Tag Archives: primer

Beauty Test Drive: Dermalogica SkinPerfect Primer

Winona Dimeo-EdigerMarch 28, 2013 //
BTD: Dermalogica Skincare
Spendy? Yes. Worth it? Totally. Read More »
5 Face Powders We Love
These products will give you effortlessly airbrushed skin! Read More »
BTD: Argan Lotion
Winona is in love with this Moroccan oil lotion for winter. Read More »

I’ve had my tube of Dermalogica SkinPerfect Primer for awhile now, and for most of that time I’ve used it occasionally when I needed an extra layer of coverage for under my eyes or to conceal redness around my nose. I liked it a lot, but it probably wouldn’t have made it into my deserted island makeup bag (AKA the bag of makeup essentials that I’m inexplicably bringing to a deserted island with me, along with Cheryl Strayed’s Tiny Beautiful Things and a pile of White Stripes CDs).

Then, last week, something weird happened: the sun came out in Portland. I wasn’t expecting this to happen for another 4 months, so I didn’t have any sunscreen on hand. Since my Dermalogica Primer has SPF 30, I started using more of it, spreading a thin layer all over my skin before I applied my makeup. Within 24 hours of slathering my face with primer, the following things happened… Keep reading »

Beauty 911: Help Me Figure Out Where Primer Fits Into My Makeup Routine!

Rachel KrauseSeptember 5, 2012 //
911: Summer Foundation
What's a girl with sensitive, acne-prone skin to do? Let's find out... Read More »
Pre-Fall Beauty
Prepare for fall in the prettiest way possible. Read More »
Simple Beauty Must-Haves
Makeup Bag: Five Simple Beauty Must-Haves
No way around it, you need these. 6 Photos »

“I just bought my first primer and I was so excited to use it, but then I realized I don’t actually know how to use it. Does it go on before or after my concealer? What about moisturizer? My daily regimen includes sunscreen, concealer, powder, and now primer. Could you help me figure out the order in which I should be putting all these products on my face? Thanks so much!” – Primed For Greatness

Oh, Primed For Greatness, you have so much to learn! But not to worry, you have a lot of potential, too — there are plenty of makeup newbies who begrudge the virtues of a good primer in their makeup routine. Expressing a desire to use one properly is the first step in your journey to becoming a primer pro. Keep reading »

Beauty Test Drive: JK Jemma Kidd Primer

Jessica WakemanAugust 26, 2012 //
BTD: Orgasm Blush
Winona looks lovely in Nars Super Orgasm Blush. Read More »
BTD: Boi-Ing Concealer
Jessica thinks Benefit's Boi-in concealer is great for coverups. Read More »
BTD: Lip Butter
These Revlon lip butters look fab on Winona's sweet lips. Read More »

I’ve always thought primer was a slightly dodgy beauty product. Do I really need to put more gunk on my face, on top of my moisturizer and serum but under my makeup? Apparently so.

I’ll admit primer does keep foundation and concealer on my face longer, which is ideal for days that my skin is speckled with pre-period pimples. I usually wore a primer from Smashbox, but only on rare those premenstrual occasions. However, when Target sent me their JK Jemma Kidd Instant Life Skin Perfecting primer to try, I gave it a shot.   Keep reading »

Flawless Skin — Without The Airbrushing

Julie GersteinApril 12, 2012 //
Makeup Bag: BB Creams
Makeup Bag: The Best New Thing In Beauty
The best new thing in beauty is... 8 Photos »
A New Skincare Routine
Make 2012 your most glowing year yet. Read More »
BTD: Philosophy
Rachel loves Philosophy's colorless primer. Read More »

We all want airbrushed smooth skin without having to pay the hundreds of dollars fancy airbrush makeup kits cost, am I right? Thank God for BB Cream, a masterful all-in-one cream that does the job of an airbrush makeup without the high cost. Smashbox’s BB Cream is lightweight and airy, and comes with SPF 35. It’s an all-in one, and moisturizes, primes, perfects, controls oil, and protects for flawless skin. You can wear it as a primer underneath foundation, or alone as a light base for bronzer and blush. Either way, BB Cream is my new go-to for glow-y, even-toned skin, without spending a zillion bucks in the process. [$39, Sephora]

Beauty Test Drive: Philosophy “The Present” Clear Makeup

Rachel KrauseMarch 13, 2012 //
BTD: Black Mask
We try this unique mask from Boscia. Read More »
BTD: Beach Tint
Jess tries this cheek stain from BECCA. Read More »
BTD: PixiGlow Face Palette
Another great selection from the Target line! Read More »

I’m of the ilk that believes any and all makeup is ill-advised without the use of primer. On my fairly oily skin, I can’t go a day without applying a good primer before my foundation or tinted moisturizer, lest I lose my carefully applied face by midday. I’ve tried quite a few, including the highly regarded Smashbox version, and found them underwhelming. What I really need is something that’s like a colorless foundation, the lovechild of a moisturizer and spackle, that will hide pores without clogging them, smooth my skin and fine lines, and most importantly, keep my makeup on all day. Philosophy is mostly known for its (amazing) skincare, so this souped-up primer is a natural extension. It makes my skin look and feel basically airbrushed from when I put it on in the morning until I take my makeup off at night. It’s mattifying enough that I can skip powder, yet it’s a natural, glowy semi-matte that never looks caky or oxidizes. Keep reading »